China's first science fiction academy was set up on Sunday by Sichuan University in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Jointly established by Sichuan University and the Sichuan Association for Science and Technology, the China Science Fiction Research Academy will be run by the School of Literature and Journalism at the university.

It's the first research academy of its kind in the country, focusing on the development of science fiction both at home and abroad.

According to Li Yi, dean of the school, the academy will cultivate a group of young and middle-aged researchers with expertise in the fields of sci-fi literature, sci-fi culture, the communication of sci-fi and the sci-fi industry.

A science fiction academic journal is also expected to be launched next year by the university and Science Fiction World magazine, in order to provide a quality platform for researchers, sci-fi writers and enthusiasts.

China's sci-fi industry saw rapid development last year, producing an output value of 45.63 billion yuan ($6.48 billion), up 3.26 times from that of 2017, according to a sci-fi industry report released earlier this month.